A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the detention of 13 Chinese nationals and a company, Genting International Co. Limited, over alleged involvement in cybercrime, identity fraud, and threats to Nigeria’s national security.
Justice Denide Dipeolu issued the ruling on Friday after the accused individuals pleaded not guilty to charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The suspects, identified as Wang Zheng Ming, Li Yin Hui, Xiao Hong Will, Wang Jia Qi (also known as Xiao Tian), Long Shao Ming (also known as You), and Zhang Xiao Lei, were arraigned in court along with others, including Liu San Hua, Chen Wenyuan (also known as Lee05mx20), Yang Sheng (Madison), Rheeigh De La Vega (also known as Rheignalyn), and Guo Xiao Fei.
They were reportedly arrested on December 10, 2024, at a property located at No. 7 Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, following intelligence reports linking them to cyber fraud and other criminal activities.
The EFCC’s legal team, led by Director of Legal Aso Peters, charged them under Sections 18 and 27 of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, which was amended in 2024.
When the charges were read in court, all defendants pleaded not guilty except for Wang Zheng Ming, who declined the EFCC-appointed lawyer and requested time to arrange his own legal representation.
Following their pleas, Justice Dipeolu scheduled their trial for February 3, 14, and 21, 2025. Meanwhile, the defendants were ordered to be held at correctional facilities. The two female suspects were sent to Kirikiri Female Correctional Centre, while the rest were remanded at Ikoyi Correctional Centre.
One of the accused, Liu San Hua, was said to have played a key role in an identity theft operation by recruiting Nigerian youths to impersonate foreign nationals for financial gain. This act violated Section 18 of the Cybercrimes Act.
The charges also included allegations that some of the defendants engaged in online fraud by using fake identities to deceive victims. It was further alleged that Genting International Co. Limited trained its employees in fraudulent activities, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The EFCC noted that the case involved serious offences that could undermine Nigeria’s security and economic stability. It was also stated that Zhang Xiao Lei and Genting International Co. Limited used computer systems to commit cybercrimes with the intent to disrupt Nigeria’s constitutional structure.
Additionally, Wang Zheng Feng, also known as A. Feng, was accused of accessing computer systems to manipulate Nigeria’s economy and social structure. Investigators claimed he recruited Nigerians to pose as foreign nationals for financial fraud. His actions allegedly breached both the Cybercrimes Act and the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another suspect, Luo Jia You (also known as You), was charged with giving false information to EFCC investigators, attempting to mislead them about his identity to hide his alleged role in a syndicate involved in romance scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and cyber terrorism. According to the EFCC, he falsely identified himself as A. You, violating Section 39(2) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
Similarly, Guo Xiao Fei was accused of fraudulently impersonating a French national named Alani to deceive an individual identified as Mr. Montalito. This offence violated Section 22(2)(b) of the Cybercrimes Act. Authorities also claimed he possessed documents used for fraudulent purposes, including messages where he pretended to be a U.S. citizen, violating the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
The EFCC stated that the activities of the defendants posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s security and financial integrity.
The case was adjourned until February 3, 2025, for trial.
